Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls
These soft, gooey Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with cinnamon goodness, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm water Activates yeast for dough rise
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast Leavening agent for fluffy rolls
- 2 ripe bananas mashed ripe bananas Adds moisture and sweetness
- ½ cup milk Contributes to tenderness
- ¼ cup melted butter Provides richness
- ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetens dough
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
For the Filling
- ½ cup brown sugar Sweet filling component
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Creates signature cinnamon flavor
For the Frosting
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces) Rich frosting component
- 2 cups powdered sugar Sweetens frosting
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting) Adjusts frosting consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water with the active dry yeast and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and mix well.
- Gradually combine the banana mixture with the foamy yeast mixture and stir gently.
- Slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the dough and add sliced bananas.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- While the rolls cool, prepare the frosting by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure your bananas are very ripe. Feel free to experiment with different fillings. Store rolls in an airtight container after cooling down.